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The SBC Foundation presented The University of Texas-Pan American with a $55,000 contribution Thursday, July 5 for the U.S.-Mexico Border Summit and the University's Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED).

"We have an extended relationship with this University," said Sonia Perez, Southwestern Bell general manager for External Affairs for South Texas. "This University does the kind of things we support in the community. Not every university can be a partner with us, and we are very fortunate to help out."

The SBC Foundation recently contributed $55,000 for the upcoming U.S.-Mexico Border Summit and the UTPA Center for Entreprenuership and Economic Development. From left are UTPA President Dr. Miguel A. Nevarez; Sonia Perez, Southwestern Bell general manager for External Affairs for South Texas; and Roland S. Arriola, UTPA vice president for External Affairs.

The SBC Foundation donated $25,000 for the U.S.-Mexico Border Summit Aug. 22-24, a three-day event designed to begin the process of developing and implementing a strategic action plan for the border.

The remaining $30,000 contribution will go to CEED, which serves as a catalyst for business and economic development, job creation and income growth. It provides a broad range of education and technical assistance activities for businesses, public officials, economic development organizations and the community.

UTPA President Miguel A. Nevárez said the donation helps the University develop partnerships with businesses and the community.

"On behalf of UTPA, we want to thank Southwestern Bell for all of their contributions," said Nevárez at a news conference at the International Trade and Technology Building. "This goes beyond funding, and we appreciate what they do for the Valley and the University."

UTPA will host the U.S.-Mexico Border Summit in partnership with the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, the Council on Foundations, Mexican philanthropic groups, border universities, energy and telecommunications enterprises, banks, cities, counties and the southwestern border states.

"The Border Summit is an event we are very excited about," said Roland S. Arriola, UTPA vice president for External Affairs. "We have quite a line up for the Border Summit, and we hope many will learn more about our University and the border region as a whole."

SBC Communications Inc. provides comprehensive telecommunications products and services through a global network of leading brands and operations in the United States and 28 other countries.